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Rich imaginative role play is a fundamental ingredient a child's heathly child development play life.

The "Shop Front Indoor" play frames are a great element to encourage role play in an indoor play space. As they are movable, their position and role in the space can change from day to day by the direction of the children using the space. 

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Indoor Shop Front.  (Must create user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.

Sand and water play is a rich, sensory experience that should be a part of every play space for young children.

This easy to build "Sand Water Tire" can be added to a sand pit or mud play space and provides a mixing station amidst the raw materials. For a deluxe version, try the "Sand and Water Table Extended."

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Sand Water Table. (Must create user account to see full instructions.) Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.

Jennifer Kelliher is a landscape architect, living and working in Kunming, China. She is a guest writer for the Playground Ideas blog, sharing her knowledge and passion for children's play spaces. 

The “Mini Tractor” is a great playground element that encourages imaginative play. A simple design that allows children to climb atop rustic tires and dream of going for a ride. 

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Mini Tractor. (Must create user account to see full instructions.) Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.

Jennifer Kelliher is a landscape architect, living and working in Kunming, China. She is a guest writer for the Playground Ideas blog, sharing her knowledge and passion for children's play spaces.

The Shop Front element is a great playground addition to facilitate imaginary play and role-playing. With a low construction and maintenance cost, it’s an easy choice to add some thematic flair, like a mechanic shop to tie together with mini-motorcycle play elements.

Great elements like the Shop Front, through role-playing, allow children to expand their creative imaginations and develop social skills by playing with other children.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Shop Front.  (Must create user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.